One-day Prayer Festival witnesses overwhelming numbers of Christians from across the country. The festival was organized by Eternal Life Ministries. The festival which lasted for hours was attended by Federal Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael and Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique and many others.

Christians from various areas of Pakistan had poured into Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium Sports Complex for attending the prayer festival. Renowned Pastor Anwar Fazal led the service, while special prayers were offered for peace in the country. The attendees put on a spectacular show of patriotism as they waved Pakistani flags while singing national songs.

This event was held amidst beefed up security as heavy contingents of police were deployed at the stadium, before the start of the event. The attendees also included Muslim friends and clerics who participated in the prayer festival as a gesture of solidarity with Pakistan’s Christian community and interfaith synchronization.

The festival is of prime standing as it is the first ever event in the history of Pakistan to which has been held under the auspices of the government. Furthermore, it was held on August 11 which marks National Day of Minorities in the country. This day holds a special significance in the country’s history, as on the same day back in 1947, founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah prescribed a pluralist status for the society saying:

“You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”